Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux unveils new compact prototype

Earlier this week, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux unveiled renderings of its new next-generation sports bar concept, which is set to debut in Baton Rouge in early 2027. Walk-On’s currently operates more than 80 Louisiana-inspired restaurants with a gameday atmosphere and will look to this new prototype to power its next phase of franchise growth.

The updated prototype was created with franchisee success and flexibility in mind. It’s designed to occupy a footprint of 3,500 to 4,500 square feet (compared to Walk-On’s existing model of 7,000 square feet or more), and the interior can be custom configured using the brand’s flexible “kit of parts” to create locations with distinct personality that create a consistently strong sports bar experience.

“We wanted to rethink what the Walk-On’s experience can look like without losing what makes us Walk-On’s,” said Brandon Landry, CEO and co-founder of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. “The new design gives our franchisees more flexibility in where and how they build, while keeping the energy, hospitality and community connection our guests know and love.”

In addition to the cozier square footage and customizable interior layout, Walk On’s new prototype also includes customer-focused enhancements like a bigger TV wall with an upgraded A/V package, a patio TV wall that extends the sports viewing to outside, and a flexible lounge area for casual seating, small events, or large groups. From a back-of-house perspective, the new restaurants will include a more efficient kitchen equipped with clamshell grills that will improve consistency and reduce ticket times. Dedicated pick-up areas for third-party delivery companies will also reduce traffic and noise at the host stand.

Madrid-based restaurant designers Livit created the refreshed bistreaux concept for Walk-On’s. They’ve worked with a variety of major QSR and fast casual franchise brands in the past, from Five Guys and Nathan’s to Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Livit specializes in “experiences you live,” with a focus on creating food and beverage spaces that maximize guest engagement.

The prototype’s design was also guided by learnings from Walk-On’s 3,700-square-foot location at The Battery in Atlanta, which opened in June 2025. That smaller location has provided the brand with both proof of concept and a laboratory to test how it can deliver a memorable guest experience and its full menu in a more streamlined space.

Moving forward, Walk-On’s is looking to connect with qualified franchisees in markets nationwide who are interested in opening a high-energy, hospitality-focused sports bar in their community.